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Cleveland's best, as seen through the eyes of the rest of America
by Laura DeMarco/Plain Dealer Friday magazine editor
Thursday July 31, 2008, 10:08 AM
Corbo's Bakery is known for its cassata, in Cleveland and out of town.But we also have a hard time taking a compliment. We barely pay attention to the good things people across the country say about our fair city.
So Friday magazine has compiled some of the best things written about Cleveland's people and places in the last two years. Read on for a look at what the rest of the world sees when they look at us. Then stand proud. You are a Clevelander!
Travel & Leisure, July 2008: From the "50 Reasons to Love the U.S.A. Now" article: "Because in Cleveland, Old World meets new kid on the block. Combine alternative gallery owners, steelworkers, celebrity chefs, and transplants from the Old Country, and you get an idea of Cleveland's Tremont district." Sokolowski's University Inn, Lolita, and Prosperity Social Club are suggested destinations.
The charcuterie curing room/wine room at Dante, chef Dante Boccuzzi's restaurant at 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View.Food & Wine, July 2008: Dante restaurant in Valley View has one of the "Best new wine lists, 2008": "The restaurant's formerly California Cabernet- and Bordeaux-stocked cellar now holds a worldwide selection that mirrors the global flavors in chef-owner Dante Boccuzzi's cuisine."
Dante, 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-9404
National attention is nothing new to Dante Boccuzzi, the chef-owner of his acclaimed namesake restaurant. Dante was toasted in the Zagat newsletter before it even opened.
But Boccuzzi appreciates each new mention.
"It's a huge honor," the Parma (Ohio) native says of his recent nod in Food & Wine. "It generates buzz and people are curious to see what they're missing."
Boccuzzi is rightfully proud of his wine list, compiled by sommelier David Eselgroth, especially the 90 wines by the glass.
"It's very popular in this type of economy. They're all reasonably priced [starting at $7] and are great wines. Wine by the glass gives you the opportunity to try different things. The menu goes all over the map" he says of his French-Asian-Italian informed cuisine, "and our wine will also take you around the world."
Dante is open from 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Food, and, of course, wine, is served in the large bar in addition to the dining room.
Conde Nast Traveler, May 2008: Ohio City's Velvet Tango Room is one of 28 nightclubs on the "international hot list": "Set in an undistinguished building in an out-of-the-way neighborhood, this establishment has a dim front room that attracts well-
dressed patrons quaffing classic cocktails. ... Drinks are about $14, but flavors unfold like a gourmet mini-meal."
Esquire magazine, Feb. 16, 2008: Three local restaurants make the cut in their "Best Sandwiches in America" article: Slyman's Corned Beef ("a softball-sized lump of lean the color of a Great Lakes sunset, kissed with fat and slow-cooked to succulence, then nestled between clouds of fresh bread"), the Polish Boy at Freddie's Rib House ("Soul on white") and the Trailer Park Monte Cristo at the Beachland Ballroom ("Dip a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich in pancake batter, dunk it in a deep fryer, and dust it with powdered sugar. ...The crisp, cakey crust conceals a molten heart as sweet as Cleveland's own."
The corned beef sandwich at Slyman's will weigh down your hunger.Slyman's, 3106 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-621-3760
"We've never spent a penny on advertising," says Freddie Slyman, whose family has owned Slyman's for 42 years. But the accolades keep coming. The restaurant has been praised by everyone from Rachel Ray to the London Review of Breakfasts.
"It's so flattering to know the name Slyman's is synonymous with the best in Cleveland," says Slyman, who credits the eatery's popularity to "quality, quantity and ambiance. We're a mom-and-pop place where we work every day to give people the best possible experience when they visit."
But the biggest praise is the crowds who line up every lunch- hour for Slyman's towering delectably moist-but-not-too-fatty corned beef sandwiches.
Slyman's is open from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Beachland Ballroom' is more than just a haven for good live tunes -- it's also a place for a classic jukebox.Blender Magazine, February 1, 2008: The Beachland Ballroom has the best jukebox in the country: "The vintage 1966 Rock-Ola at Beachland is free, plays a handpicked mix of vinyl ... It holds 80 records, which means 160 sides, all lovingly chosen by Beachland's crate-cruising co-owner Mark Leddy."
Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. 216-383-1124
Cleveland's Beachland Ballroom is best known for the music on its stages -- everything from indie and garage rock to alt-country, blues, folk to punk -- but in the last year it's also gained renown for some more offbeat reasons. Namely, its amazing retro jukebox and decadently retro Trailer Park Monte Cristo sandwich.
What does this mean to club whose main business is music? "It's a little feather in your cap," says club owner Mark Leddy. "They are something for people to look for when they come in, and they may bring people to the venue for the first time."
Sadly, the days are numbered for the unabashedly unhealthy-but-oh-so-good Trailer Park Monte Cristo. The club is redoing their menu and the sandwich hasn't made the cut.
But the grooviest tunes of the last 50 years are still spinning. Leddy even has added "new" cuts to the jukebox, including Columbus singer Bill Moss' 1960s-era "Sock It to them Soul Brother" and Sister Midnight's "Iggy."
USA Today, Jan. 4, 2008: The Rock Hall is one of "10 great places to know it's more than rock 'n' roll": "John Lennon's costume, The Supremes' dresses, Grace Slick's Woodstock outfit, Kurt Cobain's guitar, along with many other artifacts, can be found in this stunning building designed by I.M. Pei."
Esquire Magazine, Oct. 15, 2007: Table 45 is one of the country's "Best New Restaurants": "... it's one of the most strikingly modern [restaurants] in America .¤.¤. like a retro-modern first-class dining room on a Richard Branson space station. Chef Zachary Bruell has never been more versatile, drawing on global influences in dishes like his homespun bowl of Vietnamese noodles ..."
Some Bears are cool to hang with.Spin, Nov. 1, 2007: "Cleveland Rock City" is the focus of a two-
page article: "Forever fighting economic hardships and rampant cultural stereotyping, Cleveland is a city where the history runs deep and the fans hold steady to a serious belief in the sounds." Derek Hess, the Grog Shop, Now That's Class, the Bears and Mick Boogie are among the names dropped.
Alternative Press, April 2008: Cleveland's Bears are one of "100 Bands You Need to Know in 2008": " ... the band specialize in simple songs full of starry-eyed harmonies, autumnal acoustic guitars and twinkling percussions."
Bears, www.bearspop.com
The nation finally is discovering what Cleveland rock fans have known since Bears joined the scene in spring 2006. This band is worth watching. They consistently draw large crowds to area venues for their harmonious, twee-but-not-cutesy pop.
Singer-guitarist Charlie McArthur says being featured in Spin was an honor, but it was the AP nod that sent their itunes sales soaring.
Next up is a CD titled "Simple Machinery" due in September, and an August tour that includes the New American Music Union fest in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Aug. 9.
USA Today, Oct. 5, 2007: Murray Hill is one of "10 great places to discover Italy in America." "Corbo's Bakery has the best cassata [cake] I have tried in the USA," says chef and Food Network star Mario Batali.
Corbo's Bakery, 12210 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-8181.
"We have no idea how Mario Batali found out about us, but we really saw an impact," says Valerie Corbo, whose family has operated the Little Italy bakery for four generations. "Our customers were the once who told us about it. .. but it's not a surprise. Our cassata cake is what we are known for." Corbo says the recipe for their lushly sweet berries-and-cream cake traces back 100 years to the family's hometown in Sicily.
In addition to cassata -- about half of their business -- Corbo's serves scrumptious cannoli and the best Italian lemon ice this reporter has tasted (including in Italy).
And after decades of customer requests, Corbo's opened 40-seat a sit-down cafe in April. With outdoor tables and large picture windows, it's the perfect spot for a bit of people watching while you bite into that heavenly cake.
Corbo's is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
O Magazine, Oct. 1, 2007: The "renewed and improved" Cleveland is "the place to be." Cleveland Orchestra, Tremont, University Circle and Lola restaurant are among the picks.
Cottage Living, July 1, 2007: Ohio City is one of "10 top cottage communities" in the United States: "This comeback story started locally, fueled by creative and committed newcomers." The "gracious street layout and fine 19th-century homes" are praised.
Playboy, April 18, 2007: Red, the Steakhouse in Beachwood is one of the ten best in the country: "... a trendy, completely original operation with enough craftsmanship and buzz to fill three restaurants."
Every Day with Rachel Ray, April 1, 2007: The Word of Mouth column cites nine Cleveland spots to visit, including the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, Lava Lounge and Truffles Pastry.
National Parks Magazine, Jan. 1, 2007: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is "one of the most scenic excursion railways in the country."
And even the French like us. Following a recent tour of Cleveland, French writers praised the city's location on the Great Lakes, the "Pantheon du Rock 'n' roll" and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Those great wine lovers even liked Great Lakes beer.
I grew up in the Cleveland area, and still compare other big and bigger cities to my home town.
A free Museum of Art (most others charge admission), one of the best Orchestras in the world, Playhouse Square which is the envy of every major city in the country (it also one of the largest entertainment and theater complexes in the world), Major league baseball, football and basketball teams at state-of-the-art facilities, Blossom Music Center, some of the finest, most beautiful churches in America, the list goes on and on.
Fine arts example: KBAQ, the Phoenix Classical music station does what most fine arts stations do in the evening, namely playing live recordings by orchestras which are a lot better than their orchestra. Their choice? The Clevland Orchestra. That speaks volumes to me.
oh slymans, how i miss you. That is seriously the best sandwich in the US. I live in chi-town now, and they have great food too, but nothing beats that sandwich from slymans.
This is a wonderful article. We do read into the negativity daily-it is good to see all of the positive things our city has to offer. I love Cleveland.
This is a wonderful article. We do read into the negativity daily-it is good to see all of the positive things our city has to offer. I love Cleveland.
"Every Cleveland joke or negative comment we hear about our city sets us off. We rage. We rant?"
I don't think that's true, I think most who "rage & rant" are suburbanites, Real Clevelanders already know we live in hell and couldn't give a flying flip what anyone says.
melt in lakewood was in usa today last friday and mitchell's ice cream has been featured in the continental airlines magazine.
Well, Jizy2 you are sadly mistaken. I happen to be one of those "Real Clevelanders" -- born and raised in the City and a product of the Cleveland Schools -- and I give MUCH more than a "flying flip." To the authors of this piece, I salute you and say: Here, here! Thanks for printing.
Here are some more great things in no particular order:
The Metroparks
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Great Lakes Brewery
The West Side Market
Lake Erie
Snow
Summer thunderstorms
Hot summers that are great for tomatoes and corn
Affordable housing
Light traffic
Malley's chocolate
The gyro place at the West Side Market (rated the greatest gyro in America by Maxim Magazine)
Clevelanders, you'd be shocked at the amount of people in San Fran or all over Cali who know about you, your arts/colleges/restaurants/sports teams. Yes, there will always be that "weren't you that river that burned" idiot who can't resist firing off that tired old crack, but we get love out there. If only the politicians and buisinessmen would stop bleeding the city and let it thrive. From just those few years at Gateway, this town was NATIONAL, and respected. It wasn't a fluke; it's ALWAYS been there...
Where does Cleveland rate in the fat department. Did anyone else notice it has a lot to do with food. Maybe i am just jaded...................
I live in the Bay Area burbs, and a lot of people know and respect Cleveland but those of us originally from there all remember the reasons why we had to leave.
The demographic and cultural issues holding back professional growth for new college graduates and young professionals HAS to be dealt with. Organized labor HAS to be neutered. The way in which primary, secondary and post-secondary education is funded HAS to change. Physical infrastructure HAS to be modernized and updated.
These things HAVE to happen.
Yes, Cleveland has a long and proud history. Yes, there's a lot there to build on...but these problems must be resolved. You can't ignore them.
I'll have to remember the gyros. We're considering going home for a week later this year.
There's a place in Berkeley called Sauls Deli that has good food and this place sounds a lot like it.
I'll have to try it out when we go home.
LarryStimley:
Your comments about professional opportunity and economic growth are right on. In my experience, people would like to stay here but just don't have the economic opportunities to do so. There just aren't enough quality professional jobs in town anymore to attract the kind of folks that could take this town to the next level.
In addition to neutering Union power and improving our schools, we also need to streamline regional government -- our government overhead is a multiple of most other areas on a per capita basis -- and use the money we save to lower taxes and spur growth. I personally know three entrepreneurs who have left town for lower tax areas....that's an issue that simply must be dealt with.
for as much as I bash Cleveland I do love this city! It is nice to see a positive story once in a while!
Thank you PD. An awesome article about our awesome city. Finally some "fine" print from you guys. I like it, keep it up and I'll get a subscription.
LarryStimely
If you get a chance read the articles on the county commisioners busted for grift. I think that has always had a lot to do with why those here with money wont invest it in the city and why those outside the area were reluctant to come in. You know theres gonna be a degree of pocket lining to get your project going but those guys were steering all the constrcution to their companies or no deal and then doubling the prices. I grew up here went to school in the souh and returned home over 10 years ago. Cleveland has ALWAYS been popular around the country I just dont think the people here believe it
Jacob's Field, oops sorry Progressive Field was named the very best MLB Ballpark!!! I think this was on SI.com?
The only people who don't like Cleveland are the people who live here and those who have never been here. I travel all over the country and, trust me, people who have been here love our town. Be proud, Cleveland. You're one of the few cosmopolitan cities left in this country that is truly worth it's salt.
Dre...Tals in Parma? I might get one today! Sounds delicious!
scaryeastsid,
Yes, Tal's in Parma, it is on Ridge Rd. ENJOY!!!
Just moved back to Cleveland from four hot years livin' in Corpus Christi, Tx and here's why: it's got character! Some people just don't get Cleveland, but if you do, you love it. There is nothing like it, with it's gritty steel-town neighborhoods full of brick streets, big porches, ivy covered storefronts, the sounds of trains at night, neat little yards of flowers and kitsch, vegetable gardens, funky diners, folks who talk to you anywhere, and tons of things to do from the sublime to the ridiculous. I'm not ashamed any more! I'll say it in caps: I LOVE CLEVELAND!!
I've traveled to many locations out west such as Reno, Denver, Washington state, etc and I have to say the natural beauty here far outshines that of many of these areas. I come in from those airports and all I see are deserts and scrub brush. I'd much rather have the trees and lakes out here. We have so many things to be thankful for and yet all people want to dwell on is how one political party has torn this area apart. Ther's many more reasons for this but let's just say if everyone worked their hardest and tried their best, we wouldn't even be having these discussions.
Speaking of talking about how great Cleveland is, Danielle Deboe the owner of Room Service (http://www.roomservicecleveland.com/) in The Gordon Square Arts District recently did a great design profile of Cleveland for the blog Design*Sponge
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/07/cleveland-design-guide.html#more-10871
I agree that this article places a little too much emphasis on food.. I mean slymans is okay and all but I could just as easily go to the grocery store and buy a pound of lunchmeat and eat it out of the bag for about half the price.
I also agree that part of clevelands problem is that we are stuck in a 1960's mentality, the groups behind labor, race and education are all so deeply entrenched in protecting their interests that they are willing to burn the rest of the city to the ground before they would discuss a compromise.
I wouldn't go so far as to say organized Labor needs to be neutered, but people need to spend more time thinking about whats best for the city as a whole.
Blossom Music Center is not in Cleveland. It's not too far away (Cuyahoga Falls), but it is far enough away that getting there for a show on a weeknight during peak traffic is hell, and that's enough to keep me from ever going there again. Cleveland needs its own rustic outdoor concert facility.
Just last week I was shopping in a beautiful art glass shop in Cherry Creek (Denver, CO). The owner asked where we were from. When we told her she said, "Oh doesn't your museum have one of the finest collection of art from the Far East." And we talked about Sherman Lee who was responsible for most of the collection. And I believe it was the first time their wasn't a reference to anything negative. We went on to talk about the Orchestra. It was all good!
Also, last night on The Daily Show Brian Williams was talking about his trip to Iran w/John and he wanted to make the point that the leaders in that part of the world are sometimes talking to their base and aren't concerned about how it plays out in in a regular midwest town and he said "Cleveland." I don't know why but even that mention seemed like a compliment.
I just move here and I only can say thus far coming from another midwest city that many Clevelanders need to be more friendly to new people. Sure Cleveland looks to have great activities and food, but when you walk down the downtown area and say hi to someone and they don't respond back that is just plain rude.
I always look for the positive in every negative and I am sure to find the positive soon given time. If Clevelanders wants to minimize harse talk then a better front needs to be established.
Believe or not I was here in Cleveland 12 years ago for four days. My memory of that visit wasn't positive either.
Having something to do in one's spare time is not what make a city great. It's people is what does that! Where do you stand on making new people feel at home?
Rocksider I completely agree with you. People who have never been here think negatively of the city. Two weeks ago I went to Little Italy for dinner and while having Canolli's outside at Presti's we met some people who were visiting Cleveland from California. Their brother recently moved here and they came to visit. They told us they were here for a couple weeks and saw different parts of the city and were impressed with Cleveland and loved it's character. They were planning on going back to Cali and telling people how great Cleveland is.
On the flip side, a good friend from Iowa now lives here and she says it's really hard to get to know people in Cleveland because people have roots here and don't often let new people in.
I was gone from Cleveland for about 10 years and am very happy to be back. Cleveland is a work in progress but it's a great city and we need to get the word out.
VBKoach-
People would probably be friendlier if you used proper spelling and grammar.
Best of luck.
VBkoach - Interesting comment about friendliness. When is was in school (Lake County) in the 1970's, Cleveland was listed in a study of cities as being least friendly based upon how many people smiled. The study went on to say it was probably based upon the large amount of Eastern Europeans who settled in the metro area (culturally they don't smile as much?. I thought it was due to the gray weather from November through March. In any event, Clevelanders are quite nice when you get to know them. Having lived in San Francisco for the past 28 years, I have observed that it has gotten less friendly and more self absorbed. You used to be able to say "Hello" and get a response...not any more. Too many folks with IPods stuck in their ears.
My first day of work in London brought a little suprise a few years ago. Sitting in the orientation, the station manager was running down a bit of his story. Apparently of all the places he had lived (LA, Chicago, NY, London, among others) guess which one he stayed at the longest and openly said was the best place that he and his family had ever lived? You guessed it, Cleveland. The only reason he left was due to the closure and swapping of United for Continental at Hopkins in the late 80's early 90's.
Anyway, I agree on most everything said in the posts both good and bad. Here in Chicago, friends always say they love the trips to Cleveland for work etc, the art, food. The government is poor (character and financially, apparently) and I also know a few friends that moved from Columbus to Cleveland and had a very hard time getting to know anyone, as some mentioned the roots issue. I've brought a few friends to Cleveland from time to time, and everyone always has nothing but a great time and big surprise when they come. (E.g, FREE Art Museum, with one of the best collections on earth!)
Toph, So saying hello to someone on the streets has to do with my grammer and spelling? I guess you prove my point. Even online one can find a way not be friendly. Apparently you took my posting as an insult even though it was only an observation. I guess you want me to take your response as an answer to my question.
Debaloo,
I am a transplant to the Cleveland area and I would have to agree with your friend that has moved here from Iowa. The people in this city, not all, have a different kind of attitude towards things in general. Like it is a close knit community and don't like to let outsiders in.
I have been here for four years now and starting to finally able to call Cleveland home. I persoanally like Cleveland, all the history involved with the city, all the local owned restaurants, and there is just so much to do here. I love the Metroparks!!!
I'm curious in which other midwestern city people actually say hello on a downtown street? It certainly isn't Chicago. Peoria, Dubuque, Des Moine or Green Bay maybe? Bizarre reason for not liking a city, because I can't think of many where a random hello on the street won't merit anything other than a strange look.
In my neighborhood and various others, I wouldn't say it is unusual to get a smile, nod or hello, but downtown you wouldn't.
As a native born Clevelander, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly that our town has endured the past 40 plus years, and unlike the article's author, I have a very high esteem and love the place I call home.
I've been fortunate to visit many US cities during my lifetime and I appreciate being there, but there is no place like home. Whether we have won any major championship since 1964, you have to love that at least we have professional sports and the world class museums. I also enjoy the neighborhoods and architectural design that exist in them.
That being said, we still have some mountains to climb. Our city school system is a mess with an ungodly drop out rate. And don't tell me otherwise, especially when the board thinks a 50% graduation rate is something to celebrate. Our local government is archiac and we need to embrace regionalism or perhaps annexation like Columbus and Omaha have done. There is still the east side/west side cultural difference. Our younger generation are moving out of the area at an alarming rate due to lack of opportunities, and with the exception of the health care industry, our economy is stagnant and lacking any real growth.
Can it be overcome? Yes, absolutely if we remove the negative barriers that hold us back, embrace inevitable change, and accept that we will never be a NY or Chicago.
VBKoach-
I hope you meet friendlier people....unlike idiot Toph (he or she probably isn't originally from Cleveland) there are many friendly folks in C-Town. I left 9 years ago (job transfer) and am living in Georgia...great state...friendly southern hospitality but I miss "home"...every time I'm up there in C-town visiting family & friends I still find that most Clevelanders are pretty nice-they may not initiate the conversation or the "hello" but if you take the initiative I'm sure you'll agree that there are more friendly Clevelanders than you might have guessed.
I'll be back there permanently some day..."the best location in the nation"...those of you that are unhappy and hate Cleveland...it's simple...MOVE! You won't be missed, I assure you.
Good to see some of the blazing racist on here instead of the CRIME section...
But i will be at Slyman's Tommorow for lunch and i literally cant WAIT.
Cleveland IS the Best Location in the Nation!! I was born here, grew up on the beaches of SoCal, lived in Las Vegas, but there is no better place to live and raise a family than Cleveland, Ohio!!!
Now if we can get the civic leaders to believe in Cleveland, and promote this area for what it IS and not what it was, we maybe on to something.
We have many great colleges here for business to recruit. We have great cultural places to visit, a shoreline, low cost of living, NO traffic relative to other large cities, the best people in the land, and yet we let morons run the city. We need a revolt from the shores of Lake Erie to the farthest suburbs, This is MY TOWN and it ROCKS!!!!
Lets get community leaders with vision. Las Vegas has come along because they keep reinventing themselves. It's not against the law to tear down 80 year old buildings and move into the 21st century. Unless your on the take(political satire)
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
this article is like picking the peanuts out of a turd and calling it a meal. sure, there are some nice things amongst the crap but don't fool yourself clevelanders, your city sucks.
ChicagoBuckeye, interesting point about Cleveland not being friendly because of Eastern European roots. As an Eastern European and having traveled to Eastern Europe and interact with many immigrants from Eastern Europe, there def. is a different outlook on people. Go ask a Russian the difference between Russia and here and they will say people in Russia are negative. People of Eastern Europe are friendly if they are friends of you, but are weary of strangers. Some historians say it is rooted in History, such as when Russia was constantly invaded. Historians have said that a culture of negativity and suspicion developed over time and can even be seen with the Soviet Union on their suspicious outlook on the West.
DreVin, I just got a corned beef sandwich from Tal's! For 8 bucks I thought it was a lot, but then I got home and unwrapped it and oh my! Heaven in my mouth! I could only eat half of it because it was so large and oh so good! Thanks for the recommendation!
I love Cleveland! I went to an east coast town recently and my one friend told me "Move out here, Cleveland is a craphole" (used a different term, but you get the idea). People from Cleveland get it! We get Cleveland. Outsiders don't get it. We have deep family and cultural roots invested in Cleveland. We get that Cleveland has its problems, but we get that it's one of the best places to get the most for your dollar and we get the great cultural and ethnic restaurants and events! That is something that other MidWest cities lack...ethnic diversity along with cultural diversity. Cleveland's got it! I also love the blue collar Pabst drinking flavor of our area! I think I'll pass on the pretentious lifestyle my friends live on the east coast! Gimme a Pabst that costs 1 buck at a cleveland bar over a 9 dollar east coast microbrew any day of the week!!
VB I spend my time 50 % here and 50% elsewhere. Just try and get passed it. Clevelanders do not go out of the way on the friendly factor....It may be history and the roots of those here. I still haven't figured it out....Of course if you are a sports fan and adore the teams here then you should be okay. A word of caution...They hate Art Modell and for some reason they think that Cleveland is a suburb of Columbus. The Ohio State worship here is insane. I have certainly had better food in other places in the US and in the world. I guess if Cleveland was really that good...Halle Berry and Drew Carey would not have left it!........Something to think about
...just thought I'd mention Gallucci's on Euclid, since it didn't make the list. It's one of my favorite places to grab a meal on the go. I have been in and out of there for years and have yet to be disappointed.
I suppose this is all well and good for the traveling yuppie trendoid, but living here is another matter, that is, if you even want to call it 'living.' If I had the economic resources and employment options, I would be out of this diverse, multi-cultural, economic wasteland, consistently among our nation's poorest cities, in a heartbeat.
I like Cleveland far better than Columbus. Columbus can't get my attention until Columbus can get its hands on some real sports teams and something that remotely looks like a public transit rail line, among other things. Columbus is a big cow town where a bunch of state politicians work, with a big university, some warehouses and insurance companies, and a well known zoo, and that is about it.
GO MICHIGAN!
I don't like Columbus. I lived there for 4 years. It's bland and lacking in culture. Cleveland's got grit, Columbus doesn't...or it could be that I like blue collar towns with culture.
You be proud Cleveland!
You be LOUD Cleveland!
'Cause, after all..............
you still suck. And, your still a hellhole.
You gotta be kidding me! Is this article a joke?! Are these posters physcholgicaly damaged?The only thing about 'Cleveland rocks' is ya gotta have rocks in your head to live here. Remember Winter is just around the corner!. Enjoyin' life in the "Polish Riviera" Can't beat the scenery. Most of the city looks like Beirut, In fact, you're probably safer in Beirut.GET SOBER,NOW. Whoa!!! What the heck is that flushing sound?!!!
Peter King from Sports Illustrated just wrote this last week:
"The other night I dined with Cleveland GM Phil Savage on the outdoor patio of the Moosehead Café, a pleasant tavern with Moosehead Beer (God, how long has it been since I had a Moosehead?). The cafe is on the border of Westlake and Bay Village on the west side of Cleveland, and we were at the table on a cool, breezy, clear night for a couple of hours. Servers swarmed our table pleasantly and efficiently. Collectively, we had a large order of home-baked potato chips, two ice teas (his), three Heineken Lights (mine), two mega-salads (one with roast turkey, the other with chicken), two orders of whole wheat Texas Toast and coffee.
The bill came: $36.08.
I thought: Isn't traveling wonderful? When you live in a megalopolis, you get used to paying double that for less. It's nice to know there are still places in the world -- lots of them, as I see every summer on my training-camp trip -- where restaurants have more reasonable prices.
I hadn't seen the Lake communities on the west side of Cleveland since my post-college days, when the family considered moving to northeast Ohio. Beautiful. The parks, the homes on the lake, the green space ... Anyone who rips Cleveland has never been to the west side of town."
"I don't like Columbus. I lived there for 4 years. It's bland and lacking in culture. Cleveland's got grit, Columbus doesn't...or it could be that I like blue collar towns with culture."
only a clevelander would confuse "grit" with "culture". grit is something you want to wipe away. or in cleveland's case, cauterize with napalm.
columbus is a much better town due to it's having one of the largest universities in the country. all sorts of interesting things roll through town. unlike cleveland, where you can be sure to catch aging, mediocre classic rockers at terrible venues or hang out at a filthy beach and swim in polluted water.
cleveland is a hole. i'm all in favor of building a wall around it so the tainted elements that masquerade as people can't escape.
I'm a Chicagoan who spent three years in Cleveland and loved it. People who haven't lived there base their decision on "mistake on the lake". Couldn't be farther from the truth. Would definitely move back.
YEAH CLEVELAND IS GREAT YYAAAAAA AS LONG AS THE LAKES DONT BURN
Cleveland gets a bad rap, but I really like living here. One of the best things is that there's NO TRAFFIC. I mean hardly any at all. I work at the Clinic and then it's a 20-25 minute hop back home to Brecksville...20 minutes...what other city is like that?
I used to live in Los Angeles and it was a 2 hour road rage grind each way to get to my $650,000 Pasadena home the size of a postage stamp with no basement. For $400,000 I get a home theatre, an acre of land, and I can run my water all the livelong day.
Playhouse Square, Cleveland Orchestra, University Circle, Murray Hill, the Indians, Cavs, Browns, and now the Flats are coming back! This is really a cool place to live. So glad I came back! Wouldn't think of living anywhere else.
terje: Out of curiosity, where do you live that you hate Cleveland so much? Cleveland has its problems of course. However, I think the good things far outweigh the bad things. I moved into the city from the suburbs a few years ago and couldn't be happier. I work downtown and its definitely seeing a comeback. The cost of living is phenomenal. And, yes, I've been to many other big cities, and quite frankly, I find them to be rather homogeneous compared to our city.
i live in rural southwest montana. i'd much rather look at a rainbow trout at the end of a line than a thug at the end of a gun. i lived in and around cleveland for years though. obsession with losing sports teams and classic rock is what passes for entertainment for most clevelanders. pummelling myself with alcohol after a crappy work week and praying that some rich athletes beat some other rich athletes is not my idea of a good time.
the reason that there is no traffic and the cost of living is so low is because no sane person wants to live there. jobs are leaving, houses are in foreclosure, the suburban sprawl is endless, and the city infrastructure is in ruins. i can name at least 20 major cities that offer a better life for it's residents.
I don't know, my husband and I make $85,000 a year working in Cleveland. Not bad for a couple of 26 year olds. We're going to buy our first house in about a year in Cleveland. I don't mean it to brag. It's just that there are jobs and good places to live.
DAWGinHB
Peter King is right. I live in Bay and had college friends visit from Manhattan. They couldn't believe how beautiful Bay, River, Westlake are and that it's actually affordable. Not to mention, we're less than 20 minutes from downtown. Anyway, that part of the city is the most beautiful, but maybe I'm biased. Unlike many east siders who have never been to the west side, I have been to the east side and it doesn't come close.
feminista,
You're not bragging; it's not bad, but that's probably below average for a young professional couple at 26(college educated). If you're not college educated, then you really are doing well for yourselves. Anyway, good luck with your home savings.
I left Cleveland 30 years ago. I live in Sacramento.As Terje states, it's the beauty that surrounds us. Today I took a friend to lunch who works at the Capital. Clear blue skies, palm trees,California redwoods and Cypress trees.Orange trees on the Capital grounds. Lake Tahoe less than an Hour and a half away, Napa valley one hour away, Salmon fishing up the street{American River}. My family still lives in Cleveland so I visit every so often. Great restaurants in Cleveland. I could care less about the sports teams anymore. What annoys me about Cleveland is the negativity and the ignorance of some of the population. Not all,some. I am blessed to live where others vacation.What would help Cleveland is a dynamic political force to regenerate interest in the City. Rebuild the infrastructure. Bars on every corner are a sign of decay! Sports teams don't make a city. Profesional athletes are transient and play for the highest bidder. Beautify the City make it a place people want to visit. Cleveland will never change until its people change. Get rid of the worthless politicians{kucinich]. Good luck.
California blows: overpriced, overtaxed, overpopulated...tell me, what's the median price of a home in sunny Sacramento?
Not to mention fires, earthquakes, riots, Nancy Pelosi - no thanks, been there, done that. You can have all that crap.
I guess it depends on your outlook on it. I look at it this way: we're very frugal. I can live on a mere $200 a week and still pay rent and bills and eat well. Thank god I don't have to do that anymore, but what we make is a small fortune for our lifestyle. Thanks for the good luck wishes!
Cleveland is not unlike a lot of medium-size cities across the country. It has been ravaged by 25 years of White-flight, and by ravaged I mean the loss of population has decimated the income tax base. There isn't enough money to pay for anything. Meanwhile, poor leadership at City Hall and a string of bad mayors (including the current one) has permanently scared-away a lot of business from downtown. The school system? Ugh.
But then there are those magical nights when Grady Sizemore smacks a walk-off homerun on a picture perfect Summer evening at the stadium, and everyone is high-fiving, honking their horns on E. 9th Street, and for about 30 minutes - we actually act like we give a damn about one another.
This article is EXACTLY why I love this city. While it cites a few too many restaurants, and not enough of the other great things about this city, it is a nice reference on all our town has to offer. I've lived here almost 80% of my life, and haven't even begun to see all the city and area around it has to offer
With all that said, I'm 26, have a Bachelor's Degree, and voluntarily moved back to Cleveland in May after being laid off. Since I have moved back, I have applied to over 100 employment opportunities, and have yet to find anything. In some interviews I have had, they almost treat me as a joke, I'm guessing because I'm young, and not because I have something in my teeth each time. It's really unreal if you're 20-something, educated, and trying to find work in this city.
Why wouldn't a company give a young person a shot? Sure you'd have to train me a little longer than a normal person, but don't you feel any civic responsibility, knowing how many of us are leaving?
The funny part is, I'd gladly take a lower paying job to stay here, and try like hell to be part of the solution to Cleveland's problems. But it has been 4 months now, and I have to think if things don't start to happen soon, I would have to give a serious consideration to moving somewhere else. The way I see it, if Cleveland wants to give the young people the "finger," then I'd be happy to give it right back to the city.
But that is a very last resort.
"Cleveland is not a city...it is a religion!" I saw this posted on a forum on Cleveland.com a couple of years ago. It is my mantra. I was born and raised there and currently living in Orlando. Each day I wake up and go online to my "home" page Cleveland.com. I left when I was 28 and still return home on a regular. I always knew growing up how important Cleveland was, is and always will be to me. It is my family, my religion, my foundation.
I was born a steel baby as my mother worked for J&L Steel. I even worked there 2 summers during college. I graduated from Baldwin Wallace. I go home at least twice a year. This article makes me want to come home now. We Clevelanders are a proud bunch, and make sure other people know it. I'll whoop some a$$ if you disrespect my city.
I see some posts speaking about the city's problems. Guess what? Cleveland is bigger than its city limits. It is NE Ohio. From Ashtabula to Elyria and from Akron to Cleveland, you are a Clevelander.
I miss the Metroparks, of course the Sports, the Lake, Downtown, the rapids, dead man's curve, Blossom, the Cuyahoga river (start to finish...if you have never traveled it, please do!), Chagrin Falls, the Amish, the Zoo, the West Side Market, Real Highways 71, 77, 90, 271, 480, Rib Cook Off, Downtown Library, University Circle (Museums, Botanical Garden my sanctuary in C-Town, Case Western), The Great Debate East Side vs West Side (I'm an East Sider so I say East Side), THE FOOD - SLYMAN's RULED and always will!!!
Being from Cleveland you are exposed to a truly multi-ethnic background, history, culture and food!!!!
What makes Cleveland special is that most of these things still exist. If you still live in the area, learn its history because it is your history. I have actually hiked every inch of the Metroparks Emerald Necklace. Most people don't even know what is in their own backyard.
I can go forever. Remember "Cleveland is not a city...It is a religion!" Since I no longer live there (majority of family still there) and Cleveland is my religion, I am an apostle and ambassador for C-Town, The Land of Cleve, Cleveland.
PS Thanks to Drew Carey for all of the love...except no need to say Cleveland, Ohio because it is the only Cleveland in the Universe. One Love.
I'm very happy to hear the positives for Cleveland and areas locally. Kudos to Laura Demarco. I was born and raised in cleveland. I left in 2002 for a job opportunity in florida. currently, now reside in the northwest suburbs of Illinos.
I am homesick and my family resides in northeast ohio. I hope to return and raise my own family!!!
unfortunately, I still hear the old jokes about C-Town and I always tell them don't knock it especially if you haven't been there at all.
I hope the mortgage industry rebounds, as it would be more difficult to sell than rather purchase these days.
I will always wear clothing articles of C-Town sports team and root for them!!!!!
Cleveland will always be "Home" to me!!!!!!
bepodecasa,
Thank you for representing the MORONS of the area, if your actually from there, unless you must be an "east coaster".
Your the epitomy of idiots, if you actually live in C-Town, then why don't you move if it's that horrible for you.
I apologize if I insulted any Clevelanders. My posting was only an observation being here only 10 days. From the postings that I've read here Clevelanders should be proud of their city. I would be of it if this is what I knew. Yet it seem like the city is not the drawback from what I read. As I stated earlier it's the people to include politicians.
This weekend I was invited to a 26 year long friend father's birthday party. Her family treated me like I was a part of their family. Her mom insisted that I give her a hug vice shaking her hand. I agree with one of the posters who said if they don't know you Clevelanders are weary of outsiders. My friend's family is an exception and I'm sure there are many more.
One thing that I know for sure the traffic here is much better than where I came from and there are more people here. The housing market is much higher here than where I come from. I would have to pay 80-110K more for the same type of home. Not only that I would have to live 35+ miles outside the city for the same type of neighborhood.
I know I'm going to grow into this city and I'm willing to give it a chance. Coming from a mid-west city with southern roots and I was raised in a southern tradition family, Missourians made me very comfortable. I'm just hoping that the mainstay Clevelanders are willing to do the same!
Side note: For those Iowan posters...When it comes to hospitality thus far in my world travels you are at the top of my list! My son went to college in Iowa and this was the best experience in his life so far. From the first minute of just meeting administrators at the two colleges he attended we were treated like we were family. Definitely many out here can learn from your example. I've been to all the major cities in Iowa and many small towns as a collegiate coach besides just traveling through. The hospitality was the same all over. Crossing that northern border into Iowa was always enjoyable!
Downtown Cleveland is really looking great lately. East 4th Street is the new hub of development, spilling out onto Prospect and Euclid. A new restaurant seems to open each month. And condos and apartments are sprouting out of abandoned office buildings. The whole Euclid Corridor project has really made a visual difference in the city core (new sidewalks, planters and lighting). And CSU is looking beautiful with new buildings and gorgeous gardens. There's still soooo much that needs to be worked on (schools, schools, schools!) but Cleveland has such character and promise. But I ask everyone who has posted about how much they love Cleveland to PLEASE SUPPORT CLEVELAND. Come downtown for dinner, brunch or drinks with your friends. If you want good restaurants here, you must support them! If you want Playhouse Square to flourish, you must plunk down your money and come down for a show. If you want to brag about the Orchestra, you must support them. If you want the Rock Hall to show the world that "Cleveland Rocks", you must support it (become a member for $50 and you get to bring a guest for free each time you come. And you get two free passes to give to family or friends). SHOW your support of our city with your dollars. Next time you want to do something different, think DOWNTOWN and you'll be supporting the resurgence of this great city!
